This article will discuss how to play the harmonica. For beginner musicians, this question is especially relevant. Further we will consider it in detail.
What is this tool
Harmonica, as it is also called, is a small wind organ that creates a deep and peculiar sound that goes well with a guitar and vocals. According to statistics, more and more people are willing to learn how to play this instrument. It is used in various fields of musical accompaniment. These are children's morning performances, and concerts, and home evenings.
How to choose the right
There are several types of harmonica:
- Chromatic.
- Blues.
- Tremolo.
- Bass
- Octave.
But there is a simple option. This is a harmonica for beginners - diatonic. Has 10 holes and tonality in C major. When buying in a store, ask the seller for special accordion fur. Use it to blow out all the holes for confidence in sound.
Harmonica for beginners combines the benefits of diatonics:
- The ability to play different compositions, including jazz and pop. They are familiar to many people from movies and videos.
- The basic lesson learned on diatonic is useful for working with different models.
- In the process of improving the skills of playing the accordion, it becomes possible to create more effects.
When choosing material, give preference to metal panels. They are durable and hygienic. Wood will require additional protection against damage, and the plastic will wear out. Therefore, draw conclusions. The most common harmonica for beginners is Lee Oskar Major Diatonic. There are others, this is Hohner Golden Melody, Special 20.
What is the best positioning tool
The sound of an accordion is very dependent on the correct laying of hands. You need to hold the left, and the right should direct the sound stream. The air gap that the palm forms helps the sound and creates resonance. When you squeeze and unclench a brush, you can achieve a different timbre and effect.
How to breathe
Next will be described directly playing the harmonica. Beginner musicians are especially often interested in the principle of the instrument. To ensure a strong and even flow of air, keep your head straight, relax your face and tongue. The main thing is not suction or blowing, namely breathing through harmonics. Work does not go through the lips and mouth, but through the diaphragm. At first it may be quiet, but as experience accumulates, a normal sound is created.
Single notes, harmonica chords and the principle of the game
So, how can beginners play the harmonica? You need to understand the device device. The harmonica for beginners is made in such a way that 3 holes in it consistently create a harmonious harmony, which makes it a simple tool for quickly creating a specific composition. And playing a note on it is more difficult than a chord. Playing the harmonica is not transcendental. You just need to choose the right notes one at a time and work with your lips and tongue. Of course, first you will need to help yourself and put a little pressure on the corner of your mouth.
Want to quickly learn how to play simple harmonica tunes? For beginners, the main thing is to learn chords and individual sounds. Next comes improvisation and the disclosure of special equipment and techniques. Let's move on to the melody. Do not be alarmed by the alphabetical notes of melodic sounds - they are simply aware. If the preparation is done without the help of others, in the lesson you may need a voice recorder, a metronome and a mirror for continuous self-monitoring. Preparing for an active melodic accompaniment will help playing up to individual melodic recordings.
Basic technology
- Trill - two adjacent notes alternate. It is melismic.
- Glissando is a slow and “slippery” translation of 3 or more notes into a general consonance.
- Tremolo - the effect of sound with trembling, created from the compression and relaxation of the palms or lips.
- Band - a change in the tone of notes from the correction of the force and direction of the air stream.
How to play the harmonica with single notes? Lessons on the harmonica for beginners are held in three stages:
- True sound.
- The correct shape of the lips, that is, round.
- Formed and relaxed air stream (mentally say “O”).
Learn to play single notes in such a way so as not to touch other holes with an air stream. Learn to use the three necessary rules for altitude in the game with only single notes. Focus on the music and play as intelligibly as possible. Take your time. If something goes wrong, look in the mirror and look at the accordion if it is omitted during the game, and again extract the note on the exhale. Next, you need to remove the tool from the lips, while maintaining their position and make sure that they are correctly rounded. It is likely that there was a mistake, and the mouth had a different form. To avoid making a mistake, make the correct shape, as if you want to whistle.
Try to find a note on the fourth part of the harmonica. Should come out. And if it still doesn’t work out, raise the harmonica, direct it up. This is allowed. Just look behind the lips for the correct sound. When everything comes out with a 4 hole - go to the 5 hole harmonica. After working through the single notes on the fifth, immediately work from 4 to 5. To do this, use the scheme of the ordinary scale “C major” (if there is a harmonica in the key “C major”). You can figure out how to play the harmonica, and without knowing the letters. But if you spend time and energy learning, you can try more and more complex works and write your own sketches.